Experience Philadelphia: An Insider's Guide

Significant attractions

• The Museum of the American Revolution: Start your exploration of the birth of the United States here! The museum gives us context for the entire American Revolutionary War for independence and the personal struggles for freedom. Listen to the multiple perspectives and detailed accounts of the many facets, issues and turning points of the American Revolutionary War. There is a must-see 15-minute orientation video presentation which is both inspirational and moving. In a special section of the museum, one can see the actual war tent of General George Washington!

• Independence Hall National Park: Attorney Andrew Hamilton designed Independence Hall in collaboration with master builder Edmund Woolley to house the Assembly of the Commonwealth (colony) of Pennsylvania. Begun in 1732 and finished in 1753, it is a dignified brick structure with a wooden steeple that once held the Liberty Bell. The building has undergone many restorations, notably by architect John Haviland in the 1830s, and under the direction of the National Park Service beginning in the 1950s. It returned the hall to its appearance during the years when the new country’s Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and signed. In the Assembly Room, the momentous events that occurred there are explained and their international impact as well as the spread of democracy are discussed. – UNESCO website. Insider Tip. Take a brief walk from the Museum of the American Revolution to the Benjamin Rush Garden, then to the back of Independence Hall. Experience the tranquility of the park, the well-preserved structures and statues. This is a path that is less used, without the hustle of crowds and long lines for waiting. After visiting the Museum of the American Revolution, this walk has an emotional impact on the struggle, sacrifices and success in the fight for freedom and democracy.

Insider: Off-the-beaten-path

• Benjamin Rush Garden: Insider Tip. Relax in the tranquility of the Rush Garden. View the Bicentennial Bell given by Queen Elizabeth II. Read her statement on the significance of the relationship between United States and Great Britain.

• Washington Square: Insider Tip. Visit the statue of George Washington guarding the tomb of an unknown Revolutionary War soldier. And the eternal flame as various colonial American flags fly in the breeze.

• American Philosophical Society: Insider Tip. The entrance to the Philosophical Society faces the back of Independence Hall. If you look above the doorway of the building, there is a wonderful sculpture of Benjamin Franklin smiling at you.

• Franklin Mobile Tours: Insider Tip. Franklin Mobile Tours uses colorful blue electric trams to replace traditional horse-drawn carriages. Their lively tours wind through the streets of Old City.

Culinary scene and restaurants

In Old City Philadelphia, there is a plaque located on Society Hill which tells the history of the Fraunces Tavern. Samuel Fraunces owned a famous tavern in New York City. He moved to Philadelphia to open a tavern, and he became George Washington's chief cook from 1790–1794 while Washington lived in Philadelphia as President. Excellent taverns and restaurants are a 250-year tradition in Philadelphia.

Today, Philadelphia is home to these James Beard award-winning restaurants!

• Fork

• High Street

• Kalaya

• Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Insider favorites

I say to my travelers, Philadelphia has a wonderful mix of ethnicities. One can enjoy culinary flavors of the world! There are also local microbreweries and seasonal pop-up taverns. Every neighborhood has its favorite restaurants. There are 150 named neighborhoods in Philadelphia, so the choices are endless. Here are a few I recommend.

• Almyra Mediterranean Restaurant: Insider tip. You must try Happy Hour! The appetizers and the hummus are amazing! For the main course, the grilled lamb chops and salmon kabobs are divine! For a bit of theater, try the flaming cheese, which is set on fire next to your table.

• Bookers Restaurant & Bar: Insider Tip. Every dish has a fantastic African American soulful fusion of flavors for example, the smoked, Thai chili wings. The portions are very generous, and the cocktails are expertly fashioned. There is usually a hip Neo-soul playlist grooving in the background.

• Eat Well Philly: Insider Tips. This is authentic Nigerian style cooking, savory and flavorful. For example, the stewed chicken wings are served with delicious sweet potato cubes in a savory sauce. If it is your first time trying Nigerian cuisine, the staff are very friendly and will answer your questions for the making the best selections.

• Fiorella Pasta: Insider Tip. Make reservations for the private pasta and wine pairing on the second floor of the restaurant. Intimate, only 4 to 6 tables. Each wine is introduced with the pasta dish. You can watch the chef create the pasta dishes in an open kitchen. I suggest taking an Uber. Street parking is difficult to find on busy nights.

• Flambo Restaurant: Trinidadian/East Indian. Insider Tip. This is one of the most interesting ethnic combinations I have seen in Philadelphia. The decor of the restaurant has a full-scale life-sized feather girl costume from the Trinidadian carnival and East Indian Buddhist symbols and artwork. The menu is mixed as well, for example, there is a Tandoori lamb chop and Trinidadian Oxtails. I took a Trinidadian friend, and we sampled all the sides of the menu. He said the Trinidadian cuisine is truly like home. It reminded him of the food from his childhood living on the island.

• Lucha Cartel: Insider Tip. Al pastor tacos paired with a Mezcal margarita. What more can I say. Perfect. A lively night spot on the weekends where one can taste fresh salsa, and one can dance salsa at the same time. The restaurant transforms into an after-hours dance club.

• Picanhas Brazilian Steakhouse: Insider Tip. The staff are from Rio de Janeiro. They know how to make great caipirinhas! Picanhas has an extensive wine list, plus there is an exclusive wine room for private dining. Well, in a Brazilian steakhouse, one must try the rodizio, which grilled meats (churrasco) that are brought to your table. If you have any room for dessert, try the grilled pineapple with cinnamon.

• Vista Peru: Insider Tip. The ceviche is fresh, flavorful and amazing! Try the combination dish with a ceviche and the traditional Peruvian fried rice with cheese. The mildness of the cheese perfectly balances the tartness of the ceviche. I recommend the pisco sour, which is the national drink of Peru.

• White Dog Café: Insider Tip. Located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania, it has an Ivy League vibe. Burgers, salads and excellent pub food. Vegan options are available. My favorites here, the fresh oysters and Gin Dirty Martini, preferably Gordons, shaken, not stirred.